Madame Tussauds Orlando
By James | Last updated May 10, 2024
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Madame Tussauds Orlando is part of ICON Park, covers around 25,000 square feet and features waxworks of around 60 famous people from many different walks of life.
Most of the models are amazingly lifelike and you really feel like you are standing next to a living person. It can be difficult sometimes to tell the models from the visitors!
For example, the model of Steve Jobs, founder of Apple is uncanny, posed in his trademark jeans and black turtleneck.
Many of the exhibits are set in realistic environments, for example Walt Disney is sat in his design studio. Some living stars actually donated items of clothing to add that extra degree of realism.
There is an interesting mix of personalities. Whilst most are American there are a few from other parts of the world.
As you enter the attraction there is an opportunity to pose for official photographs, sat in a model of an airboat in “Gator Creek”. Then as you exit the attraction you will be given the chance to purchase a souvenir photo book containing your photos.
There are ample opportunities to pose for photographs with the models as none of the exhibits are roped off. For example you can sit next to Audrey Hepburn in the famous restaurant scene from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” or stand next to the astronaut Neil Armstrong when he landed on the Moon.
Part way through the exhibit you come across the workshop of Madame Tussaud where you can see how the heads and bodies of the waxworks are constructed and there is an opportunity to create you own 3D hand cast mould.
Madame Tussauds Exhibits
The exhibits in the Orlando version of Madame Tussauds are arranged in a series of themed areas. The models described below are largely those present when the attraction first opened. Over time some new models have been added and others removed as Madame Tussauds updates and changes the exhibits.
You start your journey in the cabin of the Santiago with Juan Ponce de Leon, the Spanish explorer and conquistador who first landed in Florida in 1513. You then make your way through a series of different themed rooms:
- History and Leaders — Juan Ponce de Leon, Uncle Sam, Abraham Lincoln, Neil Armstrong, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr. and Walt Disney
- Arts and Science — Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Andy Warhol, Steve Jobs and Madame Tussaud
- Sports Stars — David Beckham, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Muhammad Ali, Dan Marino, Peyton Manning, Serena Williams, Shaquille O’Neal, Tiger Woods and Derek Jeter
- Music — Taylor Swift, Madonna, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Ricky Martin, Beyonce and Miley Cyrus
- Television — Jimmy Fallon, Oprah Winfrey, Neil Patrick Harris, Sophia Vergara and Jim Parsons
- Film — Marilyn Monroe, Shrek, Princess Fiona and Gingy, Audrey Hepburn, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, E.T. with Steven Speilberg and Jennifer Lawrence
- A-List Celebrities — Selena Gomez, Taylor Lautner, Johnny Depp, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Watson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Smith, Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Ryan Gosling, Anne Hathaway, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
As you exit the attraction, you pass through the gift shop.
Since the attraction opened in May 2015, figures of Ross Lynch, Pitbull, Channing Tatum and Denzil Washington have been added. These were followed by the One Direction boy band and the Beatles.
In late 2015, Madame Tussauds introduced models of prominent members of the British Royal Family; Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William and Duchess Catherine plus Prince Harry. They were only on display for a limited time.
These were followed by country singer Keith Urban who joins fellow American Idol judge, Jennifer Lopez, actors Zac Efron and Scarlett Johansson.
In August 2016, Brazilian footballer Neymar Da Silva Santos Junior replaced some of the previous temporary figures such as the Beatles and the British Royal family. Several new musicians were added including Cody Simpson, Ross Lynch, Lorde, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith plus the actor Jackie Chan.
In January 2017, newly elected US President Donald Trump supplanted Barack Obama in the Oval Office and in June, the performer Justin Bieber was added. Other recent additions include Kung Fu Panda and Austin Mahone.
The late singer, Selena Quintanilla was added in February 2018 for a six week stint until April 8.
In Spring 2018 a “Justice League: A Call for Heroes” interactive exhibit was created including DC Comics super heroes Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman played by Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot respectively. Jason Momoa as Aquaman also joined the exhibit in December 2018 and in March 2019 two further figures arrived; Ezra Miller as The Flash and Ray Fisher as Cyborg.
Other Merlin Attractions and Tickets
As Madame Tussauds Orlando is part of the ICON Park complex, you can also visit one or more of the attractions on International Drive:
- The Wheel at ICON Park Orlando (formerly called the Orlando Eye)
- Madame Tussauds Orlando
- Orlando Sea Life Aquarium
You can also buy a combined ticket which includes Legoland Florida. More details on single and combined ticket packages can be found on our Madame Tussauds Orlando ticket options page.
History of Madame Tussauds
Madame Grosholtz was born in Strasbourg, France and after marrying Francois Tussaud she opened her first waxworks museum in London in 1836.
Today there are around 24 museums world wide. Each museum displays life sized realistic wax figures of famous people from throughout history including film and TV stars, pop stars, sports stars, historical figures, infamous criminals and political and world leaders.
There are currently four other Madame Tussauds museums in America; in Hollywood, Las Vegas, New York and Washington DC.
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